A novel about social issues, Babylon Boyz features the independent-minded views of a talented, uncompromising author, making all of the book socially sensitive. One significant element is homosexuality. Pook is not only enormously physically talented—he could be a fine athlete if he wished— he is a freshman in high school who has decided that he is gay. The frankness with which his friends and he discuss his homosexual interests is notable for its absence of preachiness or partisanship. Even so, his eventual sexual relationship with Jinx may disturb some readers, although not so much for the relationship itself as for Pook's seeming to take advantage of a drunk, unintelligent boy—a view expressed by Dante.

Sexuality in Babylon Boyz can be a tease— for instance, girls' breasts are detailed. On the other hand, as much as Dante wants his first experience of sexual...